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University of Tennessee Honors Tesis Projects University of Tennessee Honors Program
5-2004
Selection and Integration of Positive Displacement
Motors into Directional Drilling Systems
Kirk Townsend Lowe
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
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Lowe, Kirk Townsend, "Selection and Integration of Positive Displacement Motors into Directional Drilling Systems" (2004).
University of Tennessee Honors Tesis Projects.
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urate wit h 0 level undergra.duate research in this field.
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Selection and Integration of Positive Displacement
Motors into Directional Drilling Systems
By: Kirk Lowe
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Don Dareing
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering
May 7,2003
Motivation
The positive displacement motor (PDM) has been used in directional drilling now for
several years and is a key component in bottom hole drilling assemblies. These
downhole drilling motors, coupled with Measurements While Drilling (MWD) tools and
proper stabilization allow directional wells to be drilled with one bottom hole assembly,
eliminating costly mUltiple drillstring tripping, which in the past was necessary for
surveying, hole corrections, and stabilized assemblies.
2
A key issue in designing bottom-hole assemblies for specific directional drilling
situations is the selection and operation of the "best" positive displacement motor (PDM)
for the application. A part of this decision is the integration into the total drilling system,
paying close attention to the hydraulic horsepower at the bottom of the drillstring for
powering the motor and for cleaning the drill bit. This decision is compounded
somewhat by the many possible choices ofPDM's available on the market. PDM's are
available in various sizes, rotor/stator lobes, etc., each having their own set of
performance characteristics.
This paper presents a logical methodology for predicting general performance of PDMs
and shows how to use this performance information to come to a logical basis for
choosing a best motor for a given set of operating conditions.
Background
In the early part of the twentieth century, directional drilling was becoming a main stay in
offshore drilling. Economics did not allow for multiple platforms to be built in order to
recover more oil and gas from the reservoirs. The industry had to come up with new
ways to drill multiply holes off of one production platform.
To accomplish this task, operators found that if they could divert the bit at an angle, then
they could stabilize the drillstring in this orientation and drill in another direction besides
straight down. Early attempts at this method included Whipstock wedges that would be
oriented in the bottom of the hole and direct the bit in a predetermined path. The
drillstring would then be pulled out and stabilizers that held the bottom hole assembly at
a fixed curvature would be attached. This process was the standard practice until bent
subs became more widely used. The bent sub was a fixed bend installed near the bit that
would offset the direction of the drilling when employed. The bent sub replaced the
Whipstock wedge. Once the initial kick off angle was established, the operators would
trip out the drillstring and replace the bent sub with stabilizers as they did with the
wedges and continue drilling. These methods resulted in wells that had an average radius
of curvature of about 1500 feet. Platforms today typically have around forty directional
wells stemming off of them.
As one can imagine this process was slow and costly. By the 1960's and 1970's
downhole motors started to make headway in the drilling market [7]. One advantage that
these downhole motors possessed was the fact that it created one bottom hole assembly.
The operators no longer had to trip the drillstring in and out to change out bottom hole
assemblies. The downhole motors had bent subs and stabilizers built into them so that
the entire process could be accomplished in one pass. In today's competitive industry,
downhole motors are allowing operators to develop directional wells quicker and with
more precision. Though the average well curvatures are still around 1500 - 2000 ft,
some downhole motors combined with other technologies can create directional wells
with curvatures around 200 feet. This reduction in curvature allows for operators to
economically create horizontal wells, which offer many advantages including faster
drilling.
3
Several types of downhole power units exist. In the past, electric motors have been
evaluated; today however, downhole power units are typically positive displacement or
turbines. The earliest power unit in this class is the Turbodrill; the first patent credited to
C. G. Cross in 1873 [7]. It operates like a generator in that there are turbines contained in
a sleeve fixed to a central axis. When the drilling mud or other hydraulic fluid is pumped
through the motor the turbines rotate causing axial motion for the bit. The turbine power
units are generally characterized by their high speed and torque capabilities. Their
addition to the bit power is in the range of 250 hp. This addition is considerable when the
power supplied to the bit by traditional rotary drilling methods is only around 23 hp
(1500 ft-lbs & 80 rpm).
Another type of downhole power unit is the positive displacement motor (PDM). The
first idea of this concept dates back to Rene Moineau, a French inventor who in the
1930's designed pumps and compressors that used a powered rotor/stator device to move
fluids. Later that decade T. Hudson and W. Gerber reversed Moineau's concept and let
the moving fluid tum the rotor thus converting hydraulic power into mechanical power.
Throughout the mid 1900's, this idea underwent several revisions until in 1957 Wallace
Clark patented the first industrial PDM the "Dyna-Drill." Since the original invention,
many companies have invested in developing this tool. Eastman-Whipstock, Baker
Hughes INTEQ, Dyna-Drill, Drilex, Schlumberger, and Sperry-Sun all have variations of
a PDM with different rotor/stator relationships and performance characteristics [7].
PDMs come in a wide variety of classifications. Some are made for high torque
applications and others for high speed. These characteristics are dependent on the
rotor/stator relationship which will later be discussed. PDMs' contribution to bit power is
in the range of 150 hp. Even though this addition is not as much as the turbine power
units, positive displacement motors offer several advantages. Turbine power units have
to be operated at a specified rotational speed in order to achieve the level of power
mentioned previously. This window of operation is much smaller than a PDM operating
range. For the specified rotation to be achieved a downhole tachometer, a MWD tool, is
necessary. PDMs do not require these MWD tools for operation. With the wide variety
of performance abilities, a positive displacement motor exists for almost every
application. This fact makes PDMs economical and ideal for retrofitting into existing
production platform setups.
4
Components of Positive Displacement Motors (PDMs)
A positive displacement motor is made up of four basic components: a bent sub or
adjustable housing, rotor/stator power section, bearing assembly, and a transmission unit.
A surface pump on the drilling platform or ground moves the drilling mud through the
drillstring to the PDM. This pump can provide the mud at varying flow rates and
pressures. The fluid then moves into the power section of the motor.
RolDr I Stator
Figure 1- Basic units of a PDM [1]
~ S d The rotor and stator act in a helical motion creating
chambers in which the fluid pressure causes
rotation in the rotor and thus rotation at the bit.
More discussion on the kinematics of this
relationship will follow. The bent sub can be
located either before or after the power unit. Baker
Hughes, manufacturer of the Navi-Drill, advocates
the use of the bent sub after the power unit. In this
geometry the offset between the bit and the axis of
the drillstring is smaller which imposes less stress
and wear on the motor as a whole. These bent subs
allow for the PDM to change the direction of the
drillstring.
The transmission unit in early models was a series
of universal joints and rigid links to transfer the
rotation and thus power to the bit. More recent
motors employ the technology of flexible shafts in
Figure 2 - PDM with a dump sub order to accomplish the same goal with less
[6] moving parts. Many PDMs also have a dump sub
above the power unit. This dump sub allows for
the drilling mud to bypass the motor when tripping the motor in and out of the hole. The
PDM does not allow for drilling fluid to move through the motor under hydrostatic
conditions. If the dump sub did not exist the PDM would trip out wet and trip in partially
dry. Another way to let fluid move in and out of the bottom hole assemble during
tripping is to install ajet nozzle in the rotor [1]. In this case the rotor has a hollow core
so that fluid can pass not only through the rotor/stator power unit but also through the
rotor center. Several restrictions apply to this technology, but it is useful when operating
at high flow rates. The dump sub also can be a safety device. If the motor were to stall
out, the dump sub would act as a pressure relief valve preventing serious damage to the
PDM. Stall out will be discussed later in more detail.
5
The rotor and stator have a unique relationship in that the rotor has one less lobe than the
stator. This geometric relationship is necessary to satisfy the fundamental gear tooth law.
Manufacturers of the motors make sure that the design provides the smoothest rotation
for the rotor around the stator. In this relationship it is important to note that the offset
axial rotation creates vibration normal to the axial direction. This vibration can be
minimized by proper gear design to aid in decreasing wear on the motor. Below are
pictures of the original patent filed by Moineau for this concept and of common
configurations that are currently being used in the industry today.
Do.. 27, 9 ~ It. J. L. MOINEAU 1,892,217
5:6 6:7 7:8 8:9 9:10
Figure 3 - Rotor/stator relationships [6]
Figure 4 - Original patent showing the
concept of the helical gearing system [4]
One main advantage of a PDM over the turbodrills is that their performance can be
predicted and monitored without the use of measurement while drilling devices, MWD's
for short. Through motor theory and analysis of performance data provided by
manufacturers, the affects of the addition of a positive displacement motor on the drilling
system as a whole can be accurately estimated. Furthermore the parameters for
idealization of the drilling system can be discovered.
PDM Motor Theory
Because of the geometric relationship between the rotor and stator, correlations can be
drawn between pressure, flow rate, rotational speed, and torque. The following analysis
combines fluid mechanics and kinematic relationships to form useful equations for
PDMs. One note about the following analysis is that friction and leakage through the
motor are ignored. These factors can be sizeable; however, if operation of the PDM is
within defined limits, the following procedure gives practical predictions of the
performance. Efficiencies can always be added to correct for the leakage if necessary.
In general the power produced by the drilling mud is proportional to the pressure and
flow rate.
Phyd = pQ (1)
The pressure can be observed from the standpipe pressure and the flow rate is known.
The mechanical power produced at the bit is:
P
mech
= TN (2)
Where the torque and rotation speed can be determined either by downhole devices or
theoretically with other motor design parameters. As written these equations have no
conversion factors however if
p = psi
Q=gpm
T = ft-Ibf
N=rpm
Then P _ Q 144in
2
ft3 hp s min - pQ h
hyd - P ft2 7.477 gaZ 550ft .Zbf 60s - 1714 P (1 a)
And P = TN 27C min hp . s = TN h (2a)
mech rev 60s 550ft Zbf 5252 P
6
As the fluid moves through the motor, it experiences a pressure drop. This drop can be
observed from the standpipe. When the BHA is just shy of the bottom of the hole and the
pump is providing enough pressure to cause the PDM to rotate the observed pressure is
called the off-bottom pressure. The pressure that occurs when weight or torque is applied
to the BRA by making contact with the hole is the on-bottom pressure. The difference in
on and off-bottom pressures is the pressure drop across the motor [7]. This differential
pressure is proportional to the weight on the bit or applied torque. The more WOB the
larger the differential pressure because the motor must create more torque to overcome
the applied load. The hydraulic power consumed by the PDM then becomes;
PPDM= ~ p hp
1714
(3)
A point exists where the WOB exceeds the motor's power producing capacity. This
point is referred to as stall out. At this point the mud's flow rate and pressure can no
longer create enough torque to overcome the applied load and the rotor stops with mud
being forced between it and the stator. Stall causes detrimental damage to the stator
elastomer and the motor as 100% leakage occurs. Safety devices such as dump subs, by-
pass valves, and jet nozzles help to save the motors as discussed previously. It is best,
though, to not operate near stall out conditions in order to avoid this situation. Many
manufacturers list maximum operating conditions that already have a safety factor built
in and are below stall out conditions.
Rotational Output of PDM
As mentioned the parameters T and N can be determined analytically. The rotational
output speed has a direct relationship with the flow rate and can be written as:
N=CQ (4)
In many cases, the output speed and flow rate are known from experimentation.
Experimentally it is common to test PDM's on test stands and collect data for rotational
speeds at varying flow rates. If Nand Q are known to correlate to one another, the
constant can be solved for directly. In the case of the Navi-Drills and also PDMs
manufactured by Sperry-Sun, the constant can be found by correlating output speed to
flow rates.
Table 1 - Motor Performance Data [1 & 6]
Navi-Drill Sperry-Sun
61/2" M1X 63/4" M4XL 61/2" 6 3/4"
Rotor/stator 5/6 1/2 4/5 1/2
flow-rate (GPM) 265-660 265-530 300-600 200-500
output speed (RPM) 90-220 450-900 150-300 200-500
C (rev/gal) 0.3365* 1.698 0.5 1
* some values C for mlU and max differ and recorded C IS an average.
This calculated C would be valid for all performance data when an efficiency is added
into it because as will be shown C depends solely on geometric parameters. Leakage in
the motor can cause the constants to vary a little between the minimum and maximum
operating conditions.
Analytically C can be calculated from equation 4 to:
C=nlq
n = unit output shaft rotation
q = volume thru one stator stage of the motor
In order to further develop this equation, several schemes need to be considered. First,
the output rotation needs to be related to known parameters. Second, the volume of the
motor needs to be found.
7
In looking at the output rotation consider the example of a planetary gear system. In this
case the outside shell is the stator and remains stationary. The rotor is represented by the
inside gear and is connected to an input shaft with a linkage. The linkage and input shaft
are taking the place of the fluid which actual turns the rotor. Universal joints connect the
rotor to the output shaft. In more modem PDM's the universal joint setup is replaced by
a flexible shaft.
Figure 5 - Scheme for calculating output rotation of motor
output
bI }'---__ T
r lInPUlshafl
c=:=:!]
joints
a - pitch radius of stator (# of lobes)
b - pitch radius of rotor (# of lobes)
8
For this case consider counterclockwise (CCW) motion as negative and clockwise(CW)
motion as positive. If the input shaft makes one complete rotation CCW, then the linkage
arm would have one complete rotation CCW. The arms rotation causes the rotor gear to
rotate CW while the rotor center moves with the linkage in a CCW motion. The output
shaft is attached to the rotor and consequently rotates CWo
Table 2 - Rotation table for Figure 5
Stator Rotor Output Arm
Arm -1 -1 -1 -1
Rei to Arrr 1 alb alb 0
Total 0 alb-1 a/b-1 -1
The relative motion of the rotor to the arm is the gear ratio alb where a and b also
represent the number of lobes on the stator and rotor, respectively. The total output of the
shaft is the same sign and magnitude as the total rotation of the rotor which coincides
with earlier statements. The output rotation will in this set up always be clockwise
because the ratio of alb > O.
Applying the results of this example to C=n1q produces
C= .:....%.:::...b_-_
I
q
To evaluate the volume of the stator stage, consider the second scheme. If the top of the
rotor and stator are held rigid and the output shaft turns alb-I times, the stator would
"untwist". The rotor would be reduced to one pitch. In the power unit, the rotor has two
pitches per stator stage. The volume would be conserved as the "untwisting" occurred.
Figure 6 - Scheme for calculating volume of motor stage
T
Ls

Let A = the difference in cross-sectional area of the stator and rotor
Ls = the length of one stator stage
9
Then the volume of one stage of the motor q = AL
s
. Substituting this fact into C results
in:
a-b
C=--
bAL
s
Recognizing that a-b=1 for all cases in Moineau motor geometry:
Combining 4 and 5
1
C=--
bALs
(5)
(6)
Under the same flow rate conditions, changing the volume of the PDM or the rotor/stator
ratio can alter the rotational speed. If the volume is also held constant a motor with 1:2
ratio would operate at a higher speed than a 5:6 or a 9: 10 motor. Generally it can be seen
from the motor data in Table 1 that the 1:2 motors operate between 200 and 900 rpm,
which at the bottom end of their performance is still rotating at the top end of the 4:5 and
5:6 motors' performance.
From equation 6 the volume per stage of the motor can also be determined. The Sperry-
Sun 6 %" motor has a 1:2 rotor/stator relationship. The volume of a stage length of this
particular motor would be:
500(21t) = 500/(1 * ALs)
ALs = .159 gals
This value could also be found from the constants in table 1 by applying equation 5.
10
Table 3 - Stage volumes of sample motors
Navi-Drill Sperry-Sun
61/2" M1X 63/4" M4XL 61/2" 6 3/4"
Ie (rev/gal) 0.3365 1.698 0.5 1
IALs (gal) 0.0945 0.0937 0.0796 0.159
In general, as the flow rate increases the rotational speed increases. If fitting a motor to
an existing drilling system, equation 6 is useful to find out how fast the PDM will rotate
with the given surface pump. On the design side, equation 6 is useful in determining the
volumes and rotor/stator relationships for the given design parameters.
Another essential relationship for determining the performance of PDMs is the way
torque is related to pressure.
Output Torque of PDM
The output torque will be discussed in terms of a 1:2 motor configuration. The simplest
derivation of output torque is through the equation of energy balance between output
mechanical energy per rotation of the output shaft and hydraulic energy taken from the
fluid over the length of a motor stage. Consider a motor that is 100% efficient.
TN =flpQ
The unit of time cancels between flow rate and speed. For one rotation of 21t and a
volume of ALs for one revolution of the motor, the result would be:
(7)
This gives an expression for output torque [2 & 3].
It is also useful to derive the output torque expression from a force balance consideration.
The analytical derivation for the output torque stems from the analysis of the cross-
sections in figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a diagram of two rotor stages and one stator
stage. Fluid enters the top section at PI and moves through the motor. The fluid exits at
P2. The pressure drop across the motor can be observed from the standpipe, i.e. the
difference in on and off-bottom pressures. PI is greater than P2; otherwise the drilling
mud would flow backwards through the PDM.
From figure 7, the source of the work can be inferred. Let the stator stage be considered
as the control volume. Even though the rotor in the stator is moving, the actual volume
between the two is constant. Refer to the scheme presented for deriving the output
rotation to understand this concept more clearly. The work for a control volume is
W = J v . dp. From the figure, it shows no pressure change over the control volume
making dp = 0 and thus the work within an entire stator stage is zero. If the control
volume is changed to the last rotor stage, it is apparent that work is being done because a
11
change in pressure is present. The magnitude of this work is not as apparent. To obtain
an expression for the work refer to figure 8.
3
r .. , ..... PI
TIl'"
~
I
z+
_-.-i-
I
iLs
'-'r'-'-'"
I
"'..-
.....
i,1 ... /.
......
. _. _. t ~ ~ _. _. _. _. _. _. _. _. _. _. _. _ ...
""'.. .J
....................
Figure 7 - Rotor and Stage Lengths Figure 8 - Cross-section of rotor and stator
rotation
Figure 8 is useful to visualize the relative motion between the rotor and stator by fixing
the centers Os and Or of each. The relative motion between rotor and stator remain the
same as in the planetary motion arrangement. The circular cross-section of the rotor is
captured in a typical angular position defined by <I> while the angular position of the stator
is defined by 8. Note that in this case <I> = 28. In figure 8, P represents the force
produced by the pressure difference across the rotor cross-section. F is the reaction of the
rotor against the side of the stator cavity.
The figure cross-section can be understood in two ways. The first is as cross-sections of
the rotor and stator taken at different distances Z from the top of the power unit. Position
1 would represent Z = 0 and Z = Lr. Position 2 would represent Z = Lr/4 and 5Lr/4, and
position 3 would represent Z = Lr/2 and 3Lr/2. Remember that the stator and rotor both
have a helical shape.
The other way to interpret the figure is to think of it as the position of the top of the rotor
as the stator rotates and the bottom of the rotor is fixed. Position 1 would be e = 0, 180,
and 360. Position 2 would be where e = 45 and 225, and position 3 would be where
e = 90 and 270.
1
The motion of the rotor can be modeled as a sliding mass that is attached to a two bar
linkage. One link is fixed between the centers of the stator and rotor circles. The
distance between the centers is e. The distance d that the rotor center is from the center
of the stator circle is
~ ...............
e
d = 2ecos e
...... , ...... e
e
Figure 9 - dimensions of linkage from figure 8
The free-body diagram shows the torque about the center of the stator circle is
T = 2Fecos e (8a)
F
Figure 10 - Free-body of linkage assemble
Because equation 8a would hold true for all differential elements, it is better to express
equation 8a as:
dT = 2 dF ecos e
From the geometry of the diagram:
F
tan8=-
p
F=Ptane
(8b)
(9a)
Again it is more appropriate to express this equation in differential form:
dF = dp tan e (9b)
Combining equations 8b and 9b results in
dT = 2e dP sin e
12
Where dP, the force due to pressure, is ~ p ) d Z . The sum of all reactionary torques then
will be equal to the torque on the output shaft. Thus the differential unit of torque is
Ie
i
I
dT = 2eilp(sin 8)odZ
Z
In order to get the equation in terms of Z use the fact that theta is by ratio 21tZILs. This
relationship is coherent with the fundamental gear tooth law in that the ratio of the
rotation of the rotor and the stator is a constant.
dT = 2eilp(sin 21tZlL
s
)8dZ
J dT = 2eilp8 L'y (sin 21tZILs) dZ
o
T
_ 4eilp8Ls
- 21t
o
(10)
13
The limit LJ2 is the length of one rotor stage. Note that if the integrand were from 0 to
Ls then the result would be O. This derivation supports the previous discussion about the
work done in the control volumes. The result implies that no torque or work is achieved
over a whole stator stage. Thus just the first and last half stages or one whole stage of the
rotor produce the work to rotate the bit. Despite this fact, most motors are made up of
several stages. The extra stages act as a dynamic seal against leakage. The more stages
the better the seal, but this number is limited by the resulting increase in friction due to
the extra stages. Most motors range from 3-5 stages.
The cross-sectional area of the stator is 4e8. Substituting into equation 10 yields:
(7)
Equation 6 and equation 7 can predict the performance of a PDM. By observing the
standpipe pressure, the torque can be monitored. Likewise the flow rate can be used to
monitor the bit speed. These equations do not take into affect the leakage or internal
friction in the mud motor, but they still provide a good means of approximating PDM
performance. Actual performance can only be established through testing and on site
monitoring.
14
Analytical Prediction of PDM Performance
The results of stand tests provide data on PDM performance. In typical testing a PDM is
attached to a dynamometer. Pressure differentials for various torque settings are recorded
at constant flow rates. Corresponding applied torques and rotational speeds are also
recorded. This information is included in motor handbooks that are published by the
manufacturer. One way the information is presented is in graphical form. Figure 11
shows the general relationship that torque and rotational speed have for a constant flow
rate.
Figure 11 - General performance curve of PDM
Stall Out
f------\...- Maximum Operating Pressure
Q = constant
Rotational Speed - RPM
When no torque from the dynamometer is applied the rotational speed is at its maximum.
At this point the differential pressure over the motor is just large enough to overcome the
friction with in the power unit. This point is the smallest differential pressure or no-load
pressure for the motor. As the torque is increased with the dynamometer, the rotational
speed begins to drop off because of leakage through the motor. The increase in torque
also causes the differential pressure to increase. The point at which the maximum torque
and minimum speed occur is the stall out point where 100% leakage occurs through the
motor. The conditions and consequences for stall have already been discussed. In order
to avoid stall conditions, a general rule of thumb is to operate around two-thirds of the
maximum.
A similar performance curve for the 6 1f2 " MIX Navi-Drill is shown in figure 12. The
ratings and information that the manufacturers provide generally correspond to about ten
percent leakage through the motor. Although this fact means that PDMs do not truly
behave according to theory, the analysis presented in the paper is accurate enough for
practical field applications as long as the motors are being operated within the
recommended pressure and flow rate ranges.
4500
4000
3500
3000
(J)
~ 2500
,
(])
:::>
E! 2000
~
1500
1000
500
15
Figure 12 - Performance curve for Navi-Drill MIX
Stall Torque
l:l p = 465 psi
QmID = 660 GPM
Qmin = 265 GPM
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Rotational Speed - RPM
The maximum operating differential pressure creates a torque that is roughly two-thirds
of the stall torque. Calculated from the information provided by the manufacturer, the
constant from equation 4 is 0.3365 for this specific motor. At the minimum flow rate, the
power unit rotates at 90 R P ~ at its maximum flow rate, the unit rotates at 220 RPM.
These values are obtained from equation 4 or by correlating the manufacturer's
performance data in table 1. From equation 2a, the maximum mechanical power
produced by this motor would then be:
p = 2202690 = 113h
mech 5252 P
From equation 3, the power consumed be the motor under the maximum operating
conditions above would be:
P. = 465 660 = 179 h
hyd 1714 P
The overall efficiency of this motor would be:
11 = P
mech
= 63%
P
hyd
The same process can be applied to the other motors presented in the paper given their
operating differential pressures. Efficiencies cover a large spectrum depending on the
geometries and the age of the motor. As motors age the elastomer stator wears down
which can allow more leakage than a new motor would permit. This leakage would
reduce the overall efficiency of the motor. Yet for new motors, efficiencies can reach 80-
85%.
16
System Analysis
In order to optimize the operating parameters of a PDM, an understanding of available
power must be understood. At the surface of the drilling operation the surface pump
supplies drilling mud through the drill string to the PDM. The mud pump operates on a
curve that balances flow rate for pressure. The pumps can operate at high pressures but
low flow rates or at high flow rates and low pressures. Replacing the liners in the pumps
can alter the pump's performance. Smaller liners would produce higher pressures and
larger ones would produce larger flow rates. For example, a 1500 hp pump would have a
performance curve similar to the one in figure 13. Even though the pump might max out
at in the 10000 psi range most operators will run the pump at half or less in order to
expand the life of the pump.
Figure 13 - Surface Pump Performance
8ooo.,..------.--,..-------r-------,,------
7000
6000
_ 5000
(I)
0.
4000
(I)
(I)

0.. 3000 __ ----''''
2000
1000

Flow Rate - GPM
For example, a 1500 hp pump operating at 3000 psi can deliver the fluid at this pressure
up to a maximum flow rate of 857 gpm.
The power that this fluid possesses is dictated by equation 1. In an average drilling
situation, a surface pump maintains around 3000 psi in the standpipe. The fluid at this
pressure can be delivered at different flow rates. As the fluid progresses through the
drilling system, pressure is lost. This lost is referred to as parasitic pressure loss. The
parasitic pressure is a summation of the pressure loss due to friction in the drill stem,
friction in the annulus, and debris in the annulus. Experimentally it has been found that
this loss is proportional to Q1.86. The difference in the surface pump power and the
parasitic power loss is the power available for driving the PDM and cleaning the bit (see
Figure 14). The pressure and power loss here is based on a 5 W' drillstring and a 97/8"
wholelbit diameter for drilling mud with a density of 12 Ibm/gal [5]. In general at the
point of maximum available power the parasitic pressure losses will be approximately
one-third of the supplied pressure from the surface pump [8].
where Pp = ppQ = constQ2
086
Setting the derivative to zero gives the Q at which P
max
occurs.
O=Ps - 2.86*constQ1.86 (11)
or substituting the definition of Pp back in results in:
(12)
Figure 14 - Hydraulic losses in system

4000
om
0. Surface Pump

:;,
2000
(])
a: 1000
1000
u
:s
(IJ
-a 500

200 400 600 800

./"
"
Surface Pump System .
,/'
200 400 600 800
Flow Rate - GPM
1000
1000
17
In general drilling conditions without a PDM, most operators try to maintain a flow rate
at the point where maximum power is available at the bit for cleaning. By inspection this
is around 600 GPM. Analytically this flow rate can be determined from equation 12.
[
P
]
><'86
Q_ s
2.86 canst
(13)
An appropriate PDM for this available power curve would be one that operates in the
range of 400 to 700 GPM. The Navi-Drill MIX operates from 265-660 GPM; a good fit
for the available power.
18
By adding the PDM perfonnance curve to this chart, the operating range becomes
obvious. The PDM curve is determined by the pressure drop data provided by the PDM
manufacturers. The manufacturers also supply the minimum and maximum operating
flow rates.
0..
I
700
600
500
.!'! 400
3
~
1:>
f 300
200
100
Figure 15 - PDM Hydraulic Power usage
Available
Qmax
o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ L L ~
200 400 600 800 1000
Flow Rate - GPM
From this point the other restraints become guess and check. The motor must operate in
a range where a minimum annular velocity can be maintained. There must also be
enough power left to allow an adequate pressure drop across the bit for hole cleaning.
This parameter can be checked and results in a total flow area for the bit.
Next, the flow rate at which a minimum annular flow can be maintained needs to be
found. Annular flow rates general run between 50 ft/min and 200 ft/min. A common
maintainable annular velocity is around 120 ftlmin. This rate provides adequate flow to
move the cuttings away from the bit but not so much flow that it would erode the hole
wall and enlarge the annulus.
Dh = hole diameter
4Q
Va = (D 2 D 2)
1t h - s
Ds = drillstring diameter
Va = annular velocity
Q = flow rate
(11)[5]
The bit size range and thus hole size range for the motors under consideration is 7-7/8" to
9-7/8". From equation 11, the annular flow rates for a 9-7/8" hole would be:
By comparing these values to the flow rate range of the motors in chart 1, the annular
velocity constraints on the PDM become evident. With the PDM usage shown, operating
at maximum hydraulic horsepower would provide ample flow to maintain the annular
velocity.
19
The last restraint of fitting a PDM into an existing drilling system is the nozzle selection.
The available hydraulic power for the bit is the difference between the PDM curve and
available hydraulic power curve. If the pump operates at 600 GPM, the PDM consumes
163 hp out of the 683 hp available. This leaves 520 hp for the bit. This power correlates
to a pressure drop across the bit of 1485 psi per equation (la). The total flow area for the
bit can be found from:
TFA=1[ p.Q
[
2 ]112
where p = 12 Ibm/gal
Q=600GPM
Pb = 1485 psi
4 6700 ilPb
TFA = .518 in
2
(12)[5]
This same procedure can be repeated in a more general manner by using graphs that plot
TFA against varying flow rates. The chart would also show the annular velocity as a
function of flow rate. By setting limits on the chart, the operating Q, Va, and TF A can be
found.
For the MIX to operate in a 97/8" hole with 5 W' drill pipe with a surface pump capacity
of 3000 psi and 600 gpm, the bit would need to have a TF A of .518 in
2
in order to use the
most power that the pump is providing. This process could be repeated for any system
and any PDM configuration. The total process is a balancing act between flow rate,
system losses, bit size, and nozzle size
Conclusions
Downhole motors and more specifically positive displacement motors are essential tools
in bottom hole assemblies in drilling today. PDMs add a power boost or act as the sole
means of rotation for the bit. They generally contribute 100-150 extra horsepower
compared to the 23 hp generated by tradition drill string rotation.
PDMs come in a variety of configurations making retrofitting one into existing situations
confusing without proper knowledge of how to evaluate a PDM's performance.
Performance in general terms:
Rotational speed is proportional to its flow rate. It can be increased by
reducing the number of lobes on the rotor, increasing flow rate, or decreasing
the volume per stage of the motor.
Torque is proportional to the pressure drop across the motor. Torque can be
increased by increasing the differential pressure, increasing the volume of the
stage, or increasing the number of lobes on the rotor.
20
The mechanical power produced it proportional to rotational speed and torque.
It can be increased by increasing either rotational speed or torque.
PDMs with a greater number of lobes generally produce more torque but
operated a slower speeds than motors with just 1 or 2 lobes on the rotor. The
power produced by the motors cannot be generalized in terms of rotor/stator
configuration and is specific to each case.
Efficiency drops with larger lobe configurations because of friction and fluid
slippage.
Before a motor can be chosen, the hydraulic power available must be
calculated. The maximum available power is approximately two-thirds of the
power initially supplied by the surface pump. The best motor makes optimal
use of the available hydraulic horsepower
As a rule of thumb when deciding the flow rate at which to operate the PDM, it
ought to consume near one-third of the hydraulic power available. This flow
rate needs to be checked against the annular velocity to make sure it is large
enough to provide adequate bit cleaning but not so large that it will erode the
hole wall.
The last step in fitting the PDM into the existing system is to chose an
appropriate size bit nozzle. If the size nozzle turns out to be too large based on
available equipment, try increasing the operational flow rate. If the size is still
too large, the hole size may need to be decreased or a different PDM may need
to be considered.
Be careful not to operate the PDM outside of the manufacturer recommended
operating conditions. Operating beyond these suggested limits puts the BHA at
risk for stall out and thus detrimental damage. Also operating outside these
limits decreases the accuracy of the equations presented.
All equations assume 100% efficiency and no leakage. Although this is not
realistic, it gives a good prediction and analysis of a PDM's performance in
normal operating conditions.
The processes presented in this paper are general and can be applied to any drilling
situation and any PDM. It is essential to understand the performance possibilities and
system limitations in order to truly incorporate the best PDM into an existing drilling
system.
Nomenclature
A = cross-sectional area of void in power unit
a = # lobes on stator
b = # lobes on rotor
BHA = bottom hole assembly
Dh = hole diameter
Ds = drill string diameter
e = distance between the center of the stator and rotor circles
Ls = length of stator stage
MWD = measurement while drilling
N = rotational speed
n = unit output shaft rotation
PDM = positive displacement motor
P
b
= power at bit
Pp = power parasitic (power loss)
P
s
= power from surface pump
p = pressure
Pb = pressure across bit
p = mud density
Q = flow rate
q = volume thru one stator stage of the motor
T = torque
TFA = Total flow area across bit
Va = annular velocity
WOB = weight on bit
21
22
References
1. Baker-Hughes INTEQ. "Navi-Drill Motor Handbook." 8 ed. Baker Hughes Inc.,
1998.
2. Cohen, John, Maurer, William, Evans, Charles, & Westcott, Paul. "High-Power
Downhole Motor." American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 1995. vol. 65:
265-271.
3. Delpassand, Majid. "Stator Life of a Positive Displacement Down-hole Drilling
Motor." ASME Energy Sources Technology Conference, 1999.
4. Moineau, Rene. "Gear Mechanism." US Patent #1,892,217 Dec 27,1932
5. Schuh, Frank. "Petroleum Engineer's Equations & Rules-of-Thumb: Drilling
Equations." Petroleum Engineer Publishing 1977.
6. Sun-Sperry Drilling Services. "Sun Drill Technical Information Handbook." 2
ed. Halliburton Energy Services Inc, 2000.
7. Tiraspolsky, Wladimir. "Hydraulic Downhole Drilling Motors." Gulf Publishing:
Houston, 1985.
8. Ed. Whittaker, Alun. "Theory and Application of Drilling Fluid Hydraulics."
International Human Resources Development: Boston, 1985.